/shil/ , Slang.
n.
1. a person who poses as a customer in order to decoy others into participating, as at a gambling house, auction, confidence game, etc.
2. a person who publicizes or praises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty.
v.i.
3. to work as a shill: He shills for a large casino.
v.t.
4. to advertise or promote (a product) as or in the manner of a huckster; hustle: He was hired to shill a new TV show.
[ 1920-25; orig. uncert. ]